Electric machines are the most common devices used to perform the actuator function in an industrial control loop. They are an indispensable part of engineering processes and are the workhorse in both commercial and industrial applications.

The aim of this unit is to continue developing the skills in the use and application of electrical machines, particularly direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) drives.

Among the topics included in this unit are: an introduction to electrical machines and drives, and their characteristics, starting and braking, loading conditions, ratings, and their control.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to explain the operation of different motors used in industry, describe the different types of industrial drives used in various disciplines, assess the importance of electrical machines and their drives for a given industrial application, analyse their performances and suggest appropriate solutions using a variety of possible methods.

Principles of operation and characteristics of electrical machines and their industrial applications:
Introduction to electrical machines, concepts of electrical machines and their classification
Principles of operation of DC machines and their characteristics
Principles of operation of three-phase induction machines and their characteristics
Principles of operation of synchronous machines and their characteristics
Introduction to special machines
Simulation using Matlab/Simulink or similar commercially available software

Fundamentals of power electronics converters used in power processing units for electric drives:
Concepts of electrical drives and their classification
DC to DC converters (Choppers), AC to DC converters (Rectifiers), DC to AC converters (Inverters), AC to AC converters (Cyclo-converters)
Simulation using Matlab/Simulink or similar commercially available software

Fundamentals of DC drives and their industrial applications:
Introduction to DC drives and their application to emerging areas such as smart grid and renewable energy sources
Operating modes of DC drives; single-phase drives, three-phase drives, chopper drives, two/four quadrant operation drives
Application; closed loop control of DC drives
Simulation using Matlab/Simulink or similar commercially available software

Fundamentals of AC drives and their industrial applications:
Introduction to AC drives and their industrial application such as smart grid and renewable energy sources
Induction motor drives: voltage controls, frequency controls, current controls, voltage, current and frequency control, and closed loop control induction motor
Synchronous motor drives: frequency control and closed loop control of synchronous motor drives
Simulation using Matlab/Simulink or similar commercially available software

A 3000 word portfolio of experimental work assessing all learning outcomes, weighted at 100%

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Explore the principles of operation and the characteristics of electrical machines and their industrial applications.

Illustrate the fundamentals of power electronics converters used in power processing units for electric drives.

Demonstrate the fundamentals of DC drives and their industrial applications.

Demonstrate the fundamentals of AC drives and their industrial applications

Electrical Workshop
Motors, Transducers and Actuators

HUGHES, A. (2013) Electric Motors and Drives: Fundamentals, Types and Applications. 4th Ed. Newnes.
RASHID, M.H. (2004) Circuits, Devices and Applications. 3rd Ed. Prentice Hall.
RASHID, M.H. (2001) Power Electronics Handbooks. 1st Ed. Academic Press.

Must be registered on HNC/D Electrical and Electronic Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College.

Electric machines are the most common devices used to perform the actuator function in an industrial control loop. They are an indispensable part of engineering processes and are the workhorse in both commercial and industrial applications.

The aim of this unit is to continue developing the skills in the use and application of electrical machines, particularly direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) drives.

Among the topics included in this unit are: an introduction to electrical machines and drives, and their characteristics, starting and braking, loading conditions, ratings, and their control.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to explain the operation of different motors used in industry, describe the different types of industrial drives used in various disciplines, assess the importance of electrical machines and their drives for a given industrial application, analyse their performances and suggest appropriate solutions using a variety of possible methods.